Sling Squawk – December 2024. Available Now!
3 Jan 2025
Slingers, it’s go‑time! Fire up the Rotax, strap on your gravel shoes, and aim for the wide‑open Karoo horizon. The Tanqua Kuru is calling, and we’re answering with throttles, pedals, and hearts wide open.
At least five Sling aircraft and our solid team of riders will make the pilgrimage to Tankwa Tented Camp for what’s become an annual tradition of grit, gravel, and greatness.
…across dry pans where jackals, zebra and mirages keep pace. Whether you hammer for a podium or coast for the stories, every kilometre is pure, unfiltered adventure.
Last year, our Sling Cycles Tagati bikes clinched first and second place in both race categories, proving once again that Sling is built to go the distance.
In a partnership with Tanqua Kuru, a few lucky participants will win the chance to see the Karoo from the sky, joining Team Sling on an aerial flip aboard one of our aircraft.
It’s our way of sharing the stoke and giving back to the race community that has embraced our wings and wheels.
Race dates are 23 – 25 May. Registration closes 21 April 2025.
Let’s go, Slingers. See you on the start line—and maybe even above it!
THE FORMAT.
Day 1 – 113 km
or
Day 1 – 59 km
Day 2 – 62 km
THE PLAN.
Take note: They’ve mixed things up a bit!
Friday 23 May 2025
14:00 – Arrival and registration at The Tankwa Tented Camp
16:00 – Drag race at The Tankwa International Airport
19:00 – Dinner served in the Boma
20:00 – Race briefing
20:01 – Campfire bicycle stories
Saturday 24 May 2025
05:30 – Farm breakfast will be served in the Boma
07:30 – Long race start
08:30 – Medium race start
12:00 – Lunch
Afternoon at leisure to cool off and have a dip at Stoney Beach
16:30 – Depart for gins on Sunset Hill
19:30 – A wholesome dinner will be served in the Boma
21:00 – The Bicycle Burn will be lit (Depending on the wind, they may do this on the Friday night)
Sunday 25 May 2025
06:30 – A slightly later start after a farm breakfast is served in the Boma
08:00 – Race start
13:00 – Prize giving and light lunch
THE ACCOMMODATION.
A-Frames
Large canvas A-frame with 2 x steel beds with linen. They only have 8 of those and they go quick, too, but they do come at a slight premium.
Dome Tents
Included in the price, you will be staying in a large 3m x 3m dome canvas tent which are per person sharing, stretcher beds, thick mattress and comfy white linen. There will be more than adequate ablution facilities with hot water in the morning and evening.
THE CAMP.
Tankwa Tented Camp has the following facilities:
Full cash bar
Swimming dam
Ablutions
Boma indoor and outdoor
Solar electricity
Some of the most mind-bending artwork structures you’ll ever see
YOUR R7,900 PPS ENTRY INCLUDES.
2 x breakfasts
2 x lunches
2 x dinners
1 x hand-made musette
Dome tented accommodation with linen
2 x refreshment stops enroute
Access to Tankwa Karoo National Park
2 x Tanqua Tonics
1 x beer at the end of each day’s ride
Sweep vehicle
Mobile medic
PhotographyMore than anything though, this race gives you access to find yourself and lose yourself.
The first 30 entries will receive a free Tanqua Tee.
NON RIDERS. THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU GUYS TOO.
You may bring your partner to enjoy the magic of the Tankwa who will share the tent with you, all meals and entertainment. They will be able to explore the artworks, sundowners and lounge at Stoney Beach. They’ll even provide various trail running routes for them. Hell, they’ll even make an official start. They love everyone!
Spectators may drive the long route on day one to enjoy the vibe and support their heroes. A driver safety briefing will take place after the start of the race.
Spouse entry = R 6,900
THE ENTRY PROCEDURE.
Please note that entries are extremely limited. They’re not just saying that to get you to buy entries quickly. They’re very well aware that that ship has sailed for cycling events.
They’re capping entries at 200 and they’ll be closing entries April 21st so they can get all the goodies made up in good time.
So don’t fiddle around, when they are gone, they really are gone and you’ll be sad. We really don’t want sad people.
THE PRIZES.
There will be a unique Tanqua Trophy for the winners of each race category.
TRANSPORT.
There is a registered airstrip on the farm. If you are going to fly in, the landing information is included below.
While we’re on the driving thing, if you don’t feel like doing it, they can also sort that out for you. Event partners, Zulu Overland have you covered there.
So Slingers, come and play in the desert. We’d love to have you.
Register For The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race Here
Directions To The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race Can Be Found Here
